Dads-to-be in Odisha will now get paternity leave for 15 days and new mothers a six-month maternity break.
The Naveen Patnaik government has introduced paternity leave and doubled the maternity break to six months. The new rules come into force with retrospective effect from December 1.
In 2008, the Sixth Pay Commission had recommended increasing the time of maternity leave for central government employees. Women in Odisha used to get a three-month maternity leave.
“Paternity leave would definitely improve parental care. I would be able to spend time with my wife and child. The initial 15 days after delivery are crucial for medical consultation, hospitalisation and vaccination of the newborn,” said Srikant Jena, a government employee.
Pavitra Mishra, who works in the private sector, said: “Most mothers, who are unable to spend quality time with their child, end up feeling guilty and depressed.”
Paediatrician Arabinda Mohanty said: “Breast-feeding in the first six months is vital both for the mother and the child. It boosts the immunity of the newborn…. With the maternity leave being doubled, a mother would get the time to breast feed the baby.”
Source : The Telegraph
No comments :
Post a Comment